So I'll get the TFA Core in the mail tomorrow, and was then thinking about purchasing the following. The goal here being to provide a few different ships, get comparable Rebel/Imperial forces (since I'll by for the fam to play), start a good base and then begin purchasing more unique ships. Just looking for opinions on this being a good route to get the family interested and to start building.

• Purchase 1: TFA Core Set
• Purchase 2: Rebel and Imperial Aces
• Purchase 3: Original Core Set
• Purchase 4: Millennium Falcon and Decimator
• Future Purchases: Have fun picking more unique ships

Thanks for the input!

SPE825

With the Ghost incoming, I may actually get that since the kids like Rebels. As opposed to the Falcon. But then again, I'll probably get the both.

Stage one: get some of the ships. Stage two: get all of the ships. Stage 3: Someone posts the famous mistakes were made comic.

Stage one: get some of the ships. Stage two: get all of the ships. Stage 3: Someone posts the famous mistakes were made comic.

This. And because I've already done stage 1 and 2, going to jump straight to 3.

So I'll get the TFA Core in the mail tomorrow, and was then thinking about purchasing the following. The goal here being to provide a few different ships, get comparable Rebel/Imperial forces (since I'll by for the fam to play), start a good base and then begin purchasing more unique ships. Just looking for opinions on this being a good route to get the family interested and to start building.

• Purchase 1: TFA Core Set
• Purchase 2: Rebel and Imperial Aces
• Purchase 3: Original Core Set
• Purchase 4: Millennium Falcon and Decimator
• Future Purchases: Have fun picking more unique ships

Thanks for the input!

SPE825

Joking aside, this is a pretty solid plan. Future purchases should probably be based on which ships you'd like to fly because of thematic reasons (i.e., Slave 1) and if you have a home printer, proxy any upgrade cards you want to use so you aren't buying ships you might not fly to get the cards within (Yes, I'm looking at you, StarViper)

That's an ok purchase plan.

If you plan on buying online, try to get the boxed sets you want first. The reasons can be found in detail in other posts, but you'll save the most in the long run - most boxed sets also come with a bunch of nice upgrade cards to play with.

Most Wanted is a good expansion for minis and serves as the "core set" for scum - if you're willing to proxy initially, they can be a good set for more rebel fighters as well.

Try spreading out your purchases initially - 7 TIE Fighter, 4 B-Wing squads may sound fun but having a bit of everything gives you more variety to play with.

Must add the following to your plan!

Go to MM or CSI and buy at least $100 worth at a time for free shipping!

Buy as much as you can before April and their price increases!

Stage one: get some of the ships. Stage two: get all of the ships. Stage 3: Someone posts the famous mistakes were made comic.

Step 3: Profit

Ahhh... Mistakes were made. Used that line (again) with my wife as I picked up the parcel off the front step.

Much as I like the Decimator, you might consider Slave 1, instead, as it plays markedly different from the Falcon, so it'd give you more diversity in play style, or get the Decimator and as you mentioned, re-prioritize Ghost to come before the Falcon. (Decimator plays A LOT like the Falcon, with lower agility and higher durability, so if you want variety, I'd avoid mirroring them to start.)

Similar questions from me actually - a second core set is a definite purchase for me (got TFA already) but can't decide between another TFA for consistency, or an original core for a bit of variety with a different X wing and TIE?

Similar questions from me actually - a second core set is a definite purchase for me (got TFA already) but can't decide between another TFA for consistency, or an original core for a bit of variety with a different X wing and TIE?

If you like the original films, you want the first box set. You can only get Luke and R2 there and it'll save you getting three box sets long term.

Similar questions from me actually - a second core set is a definite purchase for me (got TFA already) but can't decide between another TFA for consistency, or an original core for a bit of variety with a different X wing and TIE?

I'll share my thoughts on this. My planned next (2nd) purchase is going to be a Red Core. My 1st was the Blue Core. Besides the obvious more dice, rulers, etc. you are 100% correct about getting different ships and pilots. Luke, Biggs, and R2D2 are very good cards to have at your disposal. What I'm finding and something that is not usually mentioned is you will also get different mechs, (which are all unique in the core sets), and different EPTs. If you get 2 of the same Core (in your case Blue) one of your X wings will have to fly without his mech (blasphemy) or take a definite sub-par choice. Likewise, one or both of your pilots will be Wired but neither will have the Determination or Marksmanship to succeed. Of course, most ex-packs include additional copies of various EPTs and the X-wings both include different mechs so it is an option. But IMHO definitely do not buy 2 of the same Core when first starting. Others will disagree but that is my take. If you are proxying freely this is not as big a deal.

As for the OP's buying list. I would bump the purchase of the 2nd core up a notch. Especially because you are providing everything for the family to play. After that Reb/Imp Aces and Reb/Imp large ship fill the same niche in my list building ideas. I would humbly suggest a different idea. In my case, my 3rd planned purchase is a Firespray. Why, you ask? Kath plus a TIE mini-swarm equals 100pts. easy. Plus I'm starting my scum list for further down the road. Eventually I will want to play scum as well so all the dual faction ships are on my list. (Although Z95 is pretty far down). So in summary, since I want to play all 3 factions at least some my list will likely be something along the lines of:

1) Blue Core

2) Red Core

3) Firespray

4) T70 pack

5) TIE/FO pack

6) Most Wanted

By the time I get the T70 I've got enough for 100 pts. for both Reb and Imp. Not ideal but enough. I was torn between which TIE expansion to get but I decided to pass on Howlrunner for now to get Omega Leader, Epsilon Ace (love him) and more Juke/Comms. I really want a Y-wing pack and a Falcon but for my purposes they have to be a little further down the road. Since I rarely buy online, availability will definitely effect these purchases but you got to start somewhere. I don't recommend this list for everyone but it works for me. Of course, no plan lasts after the first shot is fired. And with this list I'm missing some important cards like PtL, Predator, AT, etc.

Similar questions from me actually - a second core set is a definite purchase for me (got TFA already) but can't decide between another TFA for consistency, or an original core for a bit of variety with a different X wing and TIE?

I'd go for one of each but YMMV.

I'm more of a variety kinda guy

What do you all think about these lists (the suggested order at the bottom of the pages)? They look like they need to be updated for the TFA TIE/X-wing.

• Imperial Purchase Order: http://www.d20radio.com/main/?p=1037
• Rebel Purchase Order: http://www.d20radio.com/main/?p=1057

I do kinda like the idea of having a couple more TIEs and an extra X-wing. Or would you think I'd have more enjoyment initially by getting the 2 Ace packs (for more variety)?

Variety is in the Rebel Aces, but the Imperial Aces is only TIE Interceptors, though to fly your Soontir Fel appropriately, you may want the Aces paint version. Mostly that is cosmetic (and if you are flying Soontir Fel that way, you now have three TIE Interceptors... congratulations!). Upgrade cards are the key. The problem is, you don't necessarily know which upgrade cards you need until you've flown quite a few ships. Catch 22.

If you are not a competitive player (meaning you are not looking at going to a tournament this year competitively), then the single best advice is to get something you want to fly. No matter your reason. If you have a kid that wants to put a Boba Fett miniature on the table while flying Slave I (Firespray-31) and it makes them want to play you regularly, then you buy the Firespray. My nephews have always been Millennium Falcon fanboys. Regardless of Meta or best upgrade card decisions, the recommendation I gave my brother after the new and old core set was a Millennium Falcon. If they want to fly it, they will play you. Ultimately, this is what it boils down to for me. I'll casually discuss my next ships with my wife and if she thinks one is neat looking, then I'll prioritize it over another one. I'm not giving her choices of everything, but ships and cards I need long term, but she often decides my priority because she will try out a ship and I get an extra game sometime.

The meta will tell you you need twin laser turrets and autothrusters (just to mention two... there are others). If these cards come on ships you are not interested in flying, then the meta is not for you at this moment in time. Not to mention that these come on a single ship each (K-Wing and StarViper), so they would be pointless for you to buy unless you were wanting to fly a list at a store / regional championship in the near future.

Fly casual in something you want to see on the board. After that, make what cards you have work for you. Once you have bought a lot more ships, then start looking at what you have that could be competitive and get out of the family surroundings and meet some others at a tourney...

What do you all think about these lists (the suggested order at the bottom of the pages)? They look like they need to be updated for the TFA TIE/X-wing.

• Imperial Purchase Order: http://www.d20radio.com/main/?p=1037
• Rebel Purchase Order: http://www.d20radio.com/main/?p=1057

I do kinda like the idea of having a couple more TIEs and an extra X-wing. Or would you think I'd have more enjoyment initially by getting the 2 Ace packs (for more variety)?

I disagree somewhat with his preference, I'll think it tru and post again later.

If you are not a competitive player (meaning you are not looking at going to a tournament this year competitively), then the single best advice is to get something you want to fly. No matter your reason.

Maybe in the future, but I'm in no hurry to get into tournaments. So then given that I'm buying Imp and Rebel at the same time, I'll maybe what I consider cool/fun while also trying to buy somewhat evenly for both factions.

Not bad idea. I would say pick two factions your primary faction which is to be the competitive one and a secondary faction which will be competitive later. Eventually you want 2 or 3 different competitive builds for your primary faction and 1 competitive build for your secondary faction.

First go to the store.

Select one of everything.

Ok thought it tru and here is what I'd get, if I just started and only had the TFA core set especially in your cas (d20 radio assumes you are only buying for 1 faction):

Scum: 2 Z-95 Headhunter, 1 Y-Wing, 1 Firespray-31, 1 StarViper, 2 Kihraxz Fighters

Great upgrade cards that can be used with either faction: 2x Predator, 2x Crack Shot, 2x Autothrusters

3) Get ships that both rebel and scum can use, buff out Imperials and Scum more

1) 1x Y-Wing, 1x HWK-290, 1x Z-95 Headhunter

2) 1x VT-49 Decimator (To balance out the Imps on turrets)

3) 1x Inquisitor's TIE

4) 1x TIE Punisher (I recommend mainly for Twin Ion Engine Mk. II and its slightly more interesting than the TIE Bomber without Imperial Veteran)

5) 1x Hound's Tooth

• Lambda-class Shuttle [Cheap, tough Imperial crew carrier and comes with the popular Advanced Sensors, Darth Vader, Rebel Captive, Sensor Jammer upgrades]
• TIE Phantom [if you liked playing one you might want more, comes with the popular Fire Control System, Recon Specialist , Tactician upgrades]
• TIE/fo Fighter [if you liked playing three you might want more, comes with the popular Juke, Comm Relay upgrades]
• Kihraxz Fighter [if you liked playing two you might want more, comes with the popular Crackshot, Predator upgrades]

1. This step is the largest step as you have nothing at all at this point. Start with building Imperial and Rebels concurrently:

Get a X-Wing Core Set (Original)

For Imperial, I'd go:

1) 1x Imperial Aces, 1x TIE Interceptor

2) 1x TIE Phantom

3) 1x Firespray

4) 1x TIE Fighter, 1x TIE/fo Fighter

[stop get some scum first]

For Rebels, I'd go:

1) 1x Rebel Aces, 1x A-wing, 1x B-wing

2) 1x T-70 X-Wing

3) 1x Millenium Falcon

4) 1x YT-2400

[stop get some scum first]

At the end of this step, you will have:

Rebels: 2 A-Wing, 2 B-Wing, 2 T-70 X-Wing, 1 X-Wing, 1 YT-1300, 1 YT-2400

Imperial: 3 TIE Fighters, 3 TIE/fo Fighters, 3 TIE Interceptors, 1 TIE Phantom, 1 Firespray-31

Great upgrade cards that can be used with either faction: 3x Push the Limit, 1x Stay on Target, 2x Veteran Instincts, 1x Lone Wolf, 2x Fire Control System, 2x Stealth Device, 1x Cluster Missiles, 2x Heavy Laser Cannon, 1 Recon Specialist, 1 Tactician, 1x Experimental Interface, 2x Engine Upgrade

Optional swap - If you area fan of Rebels TV series, swap the YT-2400 and TIE Fighter for Ghost and Inquisitor's TIE (cost will be higher for Ghost and upgrades will be slightly diff - your fleet will weighted more heavily to Rebels also).

Proxies - Maneuver Dial Upgrade Kit (Imperial), when released, might be useful for you to use your 3 Tie Fighters and 3 TIE/fo Fighters as as up to 6 Tie Fighters or 6 TIE/fo Fighters (You may need to print the base Cards)

Thanks for the recommendations here! This is kinda where I landed in general. But I jumped ahead and bought the Falcon and Slave 1 since my son was interested. Pretty sure I'll pick up with about this order after that.

With the Ghost incoming, I may actually get that since the kids like Rebels. As opposed to the Falcon. But then again, I'll probably get the both.

If your kids are into Rebels, definitely get the Ghost and at least 1 Inquisitor's TIE. The latter has a sick maneuver dial and action economy. Good for beginner pilots with room for advancement. Running a swarm isn't a bad idea, either. Spam Focus-Thread Tracers for mass Target/Lock-Evade effect from the v1 Title. Keep them in close swarming around their target with green 1 turns.

I'll reiterate my general advice of planning your purchases around your favorite ships.

Ex: Like B-Wings? Get 2 B-Wing Expansions and 2 copies of Rebel Aces.

Upgrade cards you want for your favorite ships can then be the guiding principle behind your purchase next. Maybe 4 Phantoms to run 4 B-Wings with Tactician (Panic Attack List).

Y-Wings instead? 2 Y-Wing Expansions and 2 Most Wanted. Want to go meta? Buy 2 K-Wings for Twin Laser Turret to put on those Y-Wings. Ion Turrets fit your fancy? Buy 2 HWK-290s instead.

imp aces aren't actually that good and is an easy skip for imperial players not wanting to bother with the green dice deathrtrap that is the interceptor (and having to buy the Viper for thrusters just to make the interceptor viable)

it's a great ship, but very specific in its utility and in which pilots are viable (basically no one apart from royal guards, thurr, jax, and soontir)

purchasing along the lines of what looks cool will be more effective, ultimately. Remember to proxy cards (Try before you buy!) so you don't end up with an overwhelming amount of models

Imperial Aces is good, just maybe purchasing two (like I did) isn't up his alley.

Buy 1 Interceptor, 1 Aces, 1 Star Viper, and 1 Phantom and you can run a nasty Fel, Jax, Whisper list that kicks my but every time I encounter it, but maybe that's because I insist on running wonky lists for science.